The McGlashen Stones were created by Dr Douglas Edmunds, and the McGlashen Masonry Company. Carved from granite, with the words: McGLASHEN STONE, and the stones number engraved into them. There were 4 stones that were used in The Highland Games. In 1986 World's Strongest Man introduced the 'Stones of Strength'. The McGlashen Stones now had a 5th stone added which was 308 lbs, or 140 kg. The stones were lifted onto barrels, and without tacky they proved troublesome for most. The 1st man to lift all 5 was Ilkka Nummisto.
In 1993 the stones were renamed The Atlas Stones, even though The McGlashen Stones were still used.